Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday, 21 August laid out his state's economic ambitions — including a target of 5,000 startups by 2030 and ₹8 lakh crore in investment proposals — before a high-profile audience at the World Leaders Forum in New Delhi. The two-day gathering drew Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, among other global and domestic leaders.

Economy Beyond Minerals

Chief Minister Sai underscored that Chhattisgarh's economic identity has shifted well beyond its traditional base in minerals and heavy industry. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the state's economy reached approximately ₹6.31 lakh crore, registering a growth rate of 11.57 per cent. Per capita income climbed to ₹1,79,244. The ₹1.72 lakh crore budget for 2026-27 prioritises capital expenditure, infrastructure, and social welfare, the Chief Minister said.

More than 450 procedures have been simplified over the past two years through reforms including the New Industrial Development Policy (2024-30) and the 'One-Click Single Window System 2.0'. The streamlining has drawn investment proposals across sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, data centres, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, green energy, and food processing.

Startup and AI Push

Sai outlined an entrepreneurship-first vision for Chhattisgarh's youth, stating that the government aims to move young people from being job seekers to job creators. The state plans to establish 5,000 startups by 2030 and is offering seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh per new entrepreneur to promote self-reliance and employment generation.

On the technology front, the government intends to provide AI training to 6 lakh students and 1.5 lakh government employees, and to develop more than 50 AI-based government services. An AI Data Centre Park is being developed in Naya Raipur at an estimated investment of ₹1,000 crore. Under a separate ₹500-crore AI Mission, the state plans to support 100 AI data labs, establish five Centres of Excellence, and promote more than 300 AI startups.

Bastar: From Conflict Zone to Investment Destination

Chief Minister Sai identified Bastar as a pivotal driver of the state's future economy, noting that an improved security environment has opened the region to fresh development, employment, and investment focus. A ₹4,824-crore livelihood enhancement scheme is being formulated to raise incomes of around 10 lakh families. Additionally, 421 previously closed schools have been reopened, and digital health profiles have been created for more than 34 lakh people.

The ₹3,513-crore Jagdalpur-Raoghat rail project is expected to improve Bastar's connectivity with industries and markets. Tourism destinations including Chitrakot, Tirathgarh, Kanger Valley, and Sirpur — alongside Bastar's tribal cultural heritage — are being positioned for integration into the global tourism circuit.

What Comes Next

The announcements at the World Leaders Forum signal Chhattisgarh's intent to compete for investment in high-growth sectors alongside more established industrial states. Whether the ₹8 lakh crore in proposals translates into grounded commitments will depend on the pace of policy execution — particularly around the Single Window System and AI infrastructure — in the months ahead.